Consequences of a defective switch in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

The present invention refers to a method of treating a carcinoma by administration of one or more of an oligonucleotide comprising the sequence of miR-198 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a functional part thereof, or an oligonucleotide which reduces expression of Follistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1), Protein diaphanous homolog 1 (DIAPH1), Laminin subunit gamma-2 (LAMC2) or Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU). Preferably, the at least one or more oligonucleotides directed against FSTL1, DIAPH1, LAMC2 or PLAU is a shRNA or siRNA. Also provided is a method of determining the presence of carcinoma in a subject, comprising detecting and comparing the presence of miR-198 and / or at least one of FSTL1, DIAPH1, LAMC2 or PLAU, miR-181a, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and comparing the detected levels with that in a control sample.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of Singapore provisional application no. 10201604845W, filed 14 Jun. 2016, the contents of it being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to the field of biochemistry. In particular, the present invention relates to mi-RNAs, anti-miRNAs and polypeptides, which can be used for the treatment of carcinomas.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Carcinomas, for example squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), result from the uncontrolled growth of squamous cells, a subtype of epithelial cell. Another example, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) develops from mucosal linings of the upper aero-digestive tract, mainly in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, oropharynx and oral cavity. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth highest cancer by incidence worldwide...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to methods for treating carcinoma by administering specific oligonucleotides that target certain proteins involved in carcinoma development. The methods may involve using oligonucleotides that reduce the expression of follistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1), Protein diaphanous homolog 1 (DIAPH1), laminin subunit gamma-2 (LAMC2), or urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) or their combination. The methods may also involve detecting the presence or absence of miR-198 or the target proteins in a sample and comparing the detected levels with a control sample. The invention also includes the use of expression inhibitors, such as siRNA or shRNA, to further target the expression of the proteins. The technical effect of the invention is to provide effective methods for treating carcinoma by targeting specific proteins involved in carcinoma development.

Problems solved by technology

Aggressive disease progression with high rates of metastasis contributes to poor patient survival rates.

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